If your dentist has ruled out any oral problems that might cause a chronic bad breath, it is best to see you doctor for an evaluation too. This may indicate infection somewhere else in your body and can be a sign of a range of conditions like diabetes, strep throat, tonsilitis, respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, HIV, digestive system ailments such as ref-lux or liver and kidney problems.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also important in preventing bad breath. These habits not only contribute to bad breath but also have detrimental effects on overall oral health.
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If you prefer natural remedies, there are several essential oils and herbs that can help freshen your breath. These natural ingredients have antimicrobial properties that can kill bacteria in the mouth. Here are some essential oils and herbs that can be effective in combating bad breath:
The Importance of Oral Hygiene in Preventing Halitosis
Dr. Nguyen has served on the Virginia Board of Dentistry and has many achievements such as: Invisalign Premier and Teen Provider, Pre-Fellow with Academy of General Dentistry, Graduate of Aesthetic Continuum, Engel Institute for Dental Implant Training, WaveOne Endodontic Training, HD President’s Club.
Some foods, such as garlic, may cause temporary bad breath with no quick fixes. Garlic gets absorbed into your bloodstream and the odor remains until your body has process the food.
Even if you cannot brush your teeth right after every meal, drinking water should help clear away leftover food particles. This will result in less bacteria buildup, in turn preventing bad breath from occurring. It is better to drink water after meals rather than sugary drinks, as sugar exacerbates the buildup of bacteria.
The Science Behind Bad Breath
Sometimes, it’s not any individual meal you’re eating. It’s the combination of your diet as a whole. While it’s good to give up sugar, many people want to go further and eliminate most carbs from their diet. This drives the body to burn other sources of energy, such as fats and proteins. The byproduct of this is ketones, which have a sweet, fruity odor.
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has gained popularity in recent years for its numerous health benefits, including fresh breath. It involves swishing oil around in your mouth for a few minutes to remove bacteria and toxins.
Conclusion: Combining Products for Optimal Oral Health and Fresh Breath
Keep the mouth moist by drinking water and chewing sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy to stimulate the production of saliva. Mouthwash may temporarily mask bad breath odors, but it may not treat the underlying cause.
Oral health, especially dental issues happen to be the main troublemaker when it comes to halitosis.
Halitosis, or bad breath affects an estimated 65% of Americans. Over 40 million Americans have "chronic halitosis," which is persistent bad breath. 90% of all halitosis is of oral, not systemic, origin.
Crevices, tunnels, and pits, also known as tonsil crypts, make up your tonsils. Debris of dead cells, mucus, saliva, and food can get in there and get stuck. They build up over there, which is later fed on by bacteria and fungi, which further causes a bad smell.
The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups in Preventing Tonsil Stones and Halitosis
3. Rule Out any Other Oral Origin of Bad Breath – We often find tricky spots of plaque buildup on the tongue or tonsil region. We can quickly recognize a dry mouth and help you treat it. You may have an area of consistent food collection that we can address.